Doughnut maker



S. J. POPElL DOUGHNUT MAKER Filed Dec.

June 3, 1952 INVENTOR. Samuel J. Popell Patented June 3, 1952 DOUGHNUT MAKER Samuel J. Popeil, Chicago, 111., assignor to Popeil Bros., Inc., Chicago, 111., a corporation of Illinois Application December 9, 1949, Serial No. 132,064

9 Claims.

ticular reference to such devices of a character adapted for home use.

One of the objects of the present invention is to provide a doughnut maker adapted to befilledwith a batch of dough, and operable to form and dispense dough blanks in annular shape ready to be dropped into the frying fat.

Another object is to provide a doughnut maker of "the foregoing character which is simple and inexpensive in construction, and which is convenient and reliable in operation.

v A further object is to provide a doughnut maker having comparatively few parts, and a simple cut-off valve arrangement automatically operable to sever the dough as it exudes in annular form through the force of gravity.

vOther objects and advantages will become apparent as the description proceeds.

In the accompanying drawing: I

Figure l is a side elevational view of a doughnut maker embodying the features of the present invention, a fragmentary portion of the top rim being broken away.

Fig. 2 is a bottom end view.

Fig. 3 is a top end view.

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view taken inthe plane of line 44 of Fig; 2, and showing the cut-off valve in closed position.

Fig. 5 is a view similar to Fig. 4, but showing the cut-off valve in open position.

Fig. 6 is a transverse sectional view taken along line 6-6 of Fig. l.

Figs. 7; 8 and 9 are fragmentary detail sectional views taken, respectively, along lines I--'I, 8-8 and 9--9 of Figs. 1 and 3. 7

Referring more particularly to the drawing,- the doughnut maker, constituting the exemplary embodiment of the invention comprises a receptacle I adapted to receive a batch of the doughnut dough, andhaving a eircular bottom outlet normally closed by a central cut-off valve member 3, and actuating means, indicated generally .at 4, for moving the member 3 into open position. and normally operative to maintain said member I in closed position. When the valve member 3 is in open position it serves to define, with the marginal edge of the outlet, an .1 annular opening through which the dough is exuded as an annular head. If, after exudation of the desired amount of dough, the (valve member 3 ;}:8183581 for movement into closed position, it will coactwiththefedge of the outi let, to sever or cut-of! the exii'd' d annularbead 2 of dough'and cause the same to drop into the frying bath of hot fat. Z

The receptacle I may be of any suitable size and shape through whichthe dough, introduced at the top, will flow downwardly under the force of gravity, smoothly to the outlet. In the preferred construction, the receptacle l comprises substantially a downwardly tapered tube with a smooth interior. Although generally frustoconical, the side wall of the tubular receptacle I is slightly curved or externally convex longitudinally of the central axis so that the angle of taper increases progressively from top to bottom. In short, the receptacle I is substantially cylindrical in form near the top, and the side wall curves progressively inwardly and downwardly toward the lower end. s

,Preferably thereceptacle I is made of two body parts, namely, a relatively large tube portion 5 and a relatively small bottom end portion 6, thus facilitating the molding of those'partsj out of a suitable material, such as a form sustaining but slightly flexible plastic. Polystyrene is a very satisfactory plastic material for this purpose but other materials of suitable physical qualities may be used if desired. To -join the body portionsrigidly together into a unitary structure, the lower marginal edge of the upper portion 5 is formed with an externalperipheral notch I of a radial depth equal approximately to one-half of the wall thickness, and the upper marginal edge of the lower portion 6 is formed with acomplemental internal peripheral notch 8 of the same depth and adapted to interfit snugly with the first-mentioned notch.

The adjoining peripheral edge sections of the body portions 5 and 6 thus are interfitted telescopically and secured together by a suitable adhesive' or heat juncture. The margins of the notches land 8 are formed with sharp edges or corners so that the juncture is fluish both inte riorly and exteriorly. In the preferred form, the upper body portion is made of clear trans parent plastic material, and the lower body portion is made of red plastic. 1 The cut-oif valve member 3 comprises a disk of suitable shape, and is shown as internally conical in form, preferably at acone angle of approximately 259 relative to the plane: of the disk, so as to facilitate -downward.fiow and ex udationof the dough. At the axialcenter, the] ,valve disk 3 is formedwith a depending-bearing.

sleeve 9 opening therethrougli toreceive the lower end :of a vertical actuating I stem "I18 constituting part'ofthe actuating means 3. While the valve ceptacle I;

disk 3 may be made of any suitable material, it is preferably molded also of red plastic material, polystyrene, forexample, like that of the lower body portion 6 Thecut-off valve is constructed so as to have a shearing action tending to sever the exuded annulus of dough sharply and cleanly as the valve stens; mevedlon permitted tea movea nte closed position. Torthis end, the-lower marginal edge section of the body portion 6 is formed with an inner peripheral notch or cylindrical coun terbore having a cylindrical side surface, extending inwardly to an annular bottom surface to define a valve' seat II adapted,- snuglyito re 'tially'rig-id or solid plastic materiaht-the material has a limited degree of flexibility and may -:be temporarily distorted sufficiently to permit interlocking engagement of the bridge member ceive the peripheral edge of-tlre valyieidisslezk Thea-5 shape, the lugsiwzill be separated on the major latter edgelis of appreciable width and cylindrical in shape and formed,with.sharp.or abrupt,

Considering now the valve actuating-means;

4, the stem II), which may be made of metal, is amended h form: of, a yin ri el red. and is'suitably anchored in positioniby-means, one metal, bushing I 2: rigidly confined the: s e 9, -and,adj ustably, threadedl. onto. the lower end of;- the; rod, An, intermediate guide bearing; I3

n evided n /he, md', l0:-

the recepta bean gi ls constructed, so,- as to, interpose -,b.,ut! a mpediment-to, the normal; downward gravity flow of, tlie dpuglni Moreparticularly. he. lower .encLot the upper. bodxportiom I formed: nteg a l w h. a na ow diametrical crnssbahfl. which thickened, atthecenter, an formed with, an axiali bore to .d.efi,1.1e the, hear-- ing- I3, Preferably,thethickening, is on. the top, surjace and cerfieal. in. external, shapefio mil t t fl he, dquehithereabput;

Constructing the, reeeptaclel of, two, body nert ens, with h Juneturel'in the planed th crossbar. M Dermltslthese part -to hetpla tic. moldedsincet e hen. 031L138. loeatedi n one,,fa e 0i hemoldlandi the; parts .can be :nrevided. with proper firafttte n imitenemoval fromlthemold,

$Q i9ndeuide bearing is provided for the Y tein onrad, IILatthe ten Qt theireceptacle, I. Y

h thisgins ahcehthe hearine 'eompriseaa sleeve I p ess tion. 1, fermedwiththel uide .sleeve iiahd. ide ribs. ie: on theunderside, andi of twestreieht rme that-opposite s des 13381 9: pre sed per ion. and; f ermedj with. leneitudihal ibs [9' alon the, ten. these arme'hai ggdermendin .fmeui tihehadsoiz f etifl' at: heir cuter.

nds and s i ab e outw rdly fisethook e ements adapted; for interlocking engagement with keeper elements 22 on the top edge of the re- The keeper elements- 22 consist of flat lugs which are located" at" diametrically op p osite points and project'externally, from the, top edge of the--receptacle-l; 'Iheyarefl'at and fiush'rwith the top plane o f:the receptacle; I and are reinforced on the underside ;by spaced'parallel trianggla Websfi nt e alithe'rlewi h. They are i rm d-z s e t ly; it r tan ular, slots "24 onenin thereth o e l etweehe he w bsli and; alsofto; he in r r of the: reeenteelet wa Erefe era ilia; an. ite ell e inl ralfrib, or b adggza iSI fer-'med-i loheg h marginal-edge ftthe; recep acle.

' elements 21' into-the slots 24.

"I'Iiandthe keeper lugs 22. Thus, by compressing the, top of; the reeeptacle I transversely of the medlall lineibetween the lugs 22 into an oval axis, suificiently to permit insertion of the hook Then, upon releasing the receptacle I, it will reassume its normal circular shape: at the top rim, and, as a, result, the; hook elements, willengage under- 369017 17. the=lugs-,-22. to. lock therbridge. member I 6 imposition. I

The stem or rod I0 is provided, at the topgend with asuitable .hand. actuating; knobf-ZR, Aicoil compression spring 2.] encircles..the rod-[llv with, in the depressed portion 1 JI. of; the. bridge member I6, and-restsfatvitslowen end. a flinstithe tupiof V the sleeveJS. The upper; endlofithespringjil acts gainstthe knob. 26, ,and hencetendstdliias the GI-ItTOfi valvedisk 3toward, and into closed position ,where itinormally. maintains, the latter, Preferably a tie member, 28,-is .ormed integral withthe adjacenttends of therarmsn li and is curved about one sideofgtherod Imand snipin .2?! so asto; reinforce the depressedzportionl III;

The bridg member. 15, maylbe ma'de. of;- any suitable material, and'.in.,the=present instance. is molded-in one integral structure ofsthessameitype of red plastic material as, thellowen portion. (inf the receptacle. V

. Suitable lugs, 29, upsetvlfrome apposite sideseof the rod. I I1 serye to,.limit,upwardimovementoffthe. latter when the ,valvedisk. 3t isremoyedi. adjustment of the latter on the rod" 'lmafiqrdsameansfor adjusting the tensionpi thiesprihgfIJ-l.

The operation of theddughnutlmaker, Willlbe evident from. the foreg'mlngdescription. Briefly reviewed, 4 the, doughnut, dough. is; placed; in 1 the receptacle. Thenthei hand. knob 251s: depressed toopen the cut-oflf, valve- 3T. 'Thereupom the dough flows downwardly. by, force-of grayitmgand causes, the lowermost portion j thereof to.v "exude through the annular valve opening about the valve ,disk! Whenthepmtrudingbeadof exuded do gh has attainedthe,desiredesize, the: knob; 25 is released, and as ,a reslllt the-.springZtietrafiSr thervalye disk intojclosed'p osition. Inthecliising Increment, the peripheral e e of? h f i k. 3,co ac.ts with. the valve seatf I 1 't0' shearpr'pinch off 7 the exuded; annulus of dough, and' finally enters aridengages; the. seat; to close the'i'alve outlet. The severed.v dough isflofi course free to drop directlyinto'the bath of hotfat. 'Thefore going operation i'strepeatedito form,.sever and drop one annulus oij dou h after, anotheruntil thesupply inthe. receptacleiaexhausted:

It will be, evident that, I have proyidediainew and improvedgdou ghmlt maker: which is ,eirective: in use, andsimpleandinexnensivein construc= tion.v The doughnut maker. 'cpmprisesrelatively few. parts. andjth'esej aresimp le to, pro'dhcegand assemble,.. Only; the valve-disk 3 and its actuating; means aremovable innormalj use. ;.If'more:clos= inep essure; iszdesiredi any particular, instance;

5 the spring 21, it may be by pulling upwardly on the hand than that afforded by obtained merely knob 26;

I claim as my invention: Y r i 1'.- 'A' 'doughnut maker comprising, in combination; a receptacle adapted to receive a-batch of dough-through'one end and converging in cross-sectional area from said one'end progressively and smoothly toward th'e other end, said other end having a circular discharge opening the marginal edge of whichdefines a valve seat, a 'coaxial'circularcut ofi valve" disk mounted for movement 'axiallyinto and out of'coacting engagement with said seat and adapted-when engagedv therewith to close said opening and when out of engagement therewith to define therewith. an annular valve outlet through which an annulus fof. dough will exude by forceof gravity to. form an. incipientdoughnut blank, a stem secured to said disk and extending axially therefrom. upwardly-l through said receptacle, a

diametricalv bridge member extending across the top of said receptacle and formed with a slip bearing, through which said stem slidably extends, said member being disengageably connected-at opposite ends to said receptacle byx'interlocking', connections, said receptacle being made of material subject to resilient distortion laterally of said bridge member to elongatethe transverseformlongitudinally of said member for effecting said connections, and spring means seated against said bridge member and acting on said stem in a direction to move said disk into closed position.

2. A doughnut maker according to claim 1 in which the first mentioned end of said receptacle has a circular rim and is formed with external diametrically opposite lugs having slots opening therethrough, and .said bridge member has on opposite ends pads adapted to be seated on said lugs and ofiset outwardly-projecting tongues adapted to be extended through: said slots for interlocking engagement with the undersides of said lugs, said rim being resiliently deformable into oval shape to facilitate selective connection and disconnection of said lugs and tongues.

3. A doughnut maker according to claim. 1 in which said bridge member has a central depression formed with said bearing, and said spring means comprises a coil compression spring encircling said stem within said depression and seated at one end against the top of said bearing, and said stem has a hand knob coacting with the other end of said spring.

4. A doughnut maker comprising, in combinationpa receptacle adapted to receive a batch of dough through one end and converging in cross-sectional area from said one end progressively and smoothly toward the other end, said other end having a circular discharge opening the marginal edge of which defines a valve seat, a coaxial circular cut-off valve disk having a generally conical upper face mounted for movement axially into and out of coacting engagement with 6 ing; in combination, a hollow receptacle of substantially inverted frustoconical shape having a filling opening at its upper end for'receiving dough and adischarge opening at its lowerend, saidreceptacle having a side-wall presenting a smooth unbroken inner configuration tapering progressively from the filling opening to the dischargeopening, a valve disk disposed in coaxial relationv with the discharge opening and having a generally conical face-defining a valve closure for the discharge-opening, said valve disk being mounted for axiallmovement away .from' the:discharge opening to. define therewith an annular valve outlet through whichan annulus of dough will be exudedbyforce of gravity. to'form an incipient'doughnut blank, a manually operable" actuating stem rigidly connected to said disk and extending axially and upwardly through said receptacle, a'guide-fixed to said receptacle for .slidably supporting said stem,-and a-valve spring mounted for reaction between said :guide and said stem'and disposed forbias of said'valve' disk toward a, normally closedposition, whereby upon release of said stem-said. valverdisk will be moved into. closed position to sever and drop the doughnut-blank. V 1. f -6.. A gravity feed doughnut maker comprising, in. combination, a hollow receptacle substan tiallyof inverted frustoconical .shape'rhaving a filling openingnat its upper end and a discharge opening atits lower end, said receptacle having gressively' indiameter from the filling opening to the discharge opening, a valve disk disp'o'sed in :coaxial relation with the discharge opening said seat and adapted when engaged therewith to 7 close said opening and when out of engagement with said seat to define therewith an annular valve outlet through which an annulus of dough will exude by force of gravity to form an incipient" sition whereby to sever and drop said incipient.

blank.

5. Agravity feed doughnut maker compris and having a substantially conical facejd'efin' ing'a valve closure for the'dis'charge opening, a manually operable actuating stem rigidlycdnnected to 'saidd i sk and extending axially and upwardly through said receptacle, a'jlower guide bearingfor said stem fixed to said receptacle'im, term'ediate the ends thereof, an upper guide bearing for said stem fixed to said receptacle at the upper end thereof, and a valve spring mounted for reaction between said upper guide bearing and said stem for maintaining said valve in normally closed position.

7. A manually actuated gravity feed doughnut maker for household use and comprising, .in combination, a hollow open-ended body defining a receptacle having a filling opening at its upper end and a discharge opening at its lower end, a valve disk having an upwardly inclined annular top face defining a closure for the discharge opening, a manually operable actuating stem fixed to said valve disk and extending axially and upwardly of said receptacle, an upper portion of said body of substantially inverted frustoconical form having a progressively tapering inner configuration, a lower portion of said body of substantially inverted frustoconical form also having a progressively tapering inner configuration, the inner configuration of both said body portions being defined by a common unbroken surface of revolution, said upper and lower body portions being joined together by an internally smooth circumferential juncture, a relatively narrow diametrical cross member integral with said upper body portion and located substantially in the plane of said juncture, said cross member being formed with a central slip bearing through which said stem slidably extends. and a biasing spring mounted ior reaction hetweensaidbody and-said stem and urgesaid'valve diskni-nto closed position.

18. n manuallyactuated gravity teed; doughnut across the upper end rot said "body, said bridge hearings centrally depressed portion :a slip: bearing for said rstem,-'arsubstantialiy' interted "frustoconi'cal' upper portion. :of said. body hawingdzprogressivelytapermg inner configuraarsubstantialiy inverted imstoconical lower portionnf said'body alsohav-ing. a progressively tapering inner comagl nration-,' the inner cozrfign ration of both-said body portions .being' defined in! is common "unbroken surface jof revolution having an; "angie "of taper increasing progres sively from the filling opening toward the'disicharge; opening, upperand lower bodyportrons ibeing; joined: together :by smooth v-circumierential: juncture; a narrow idiametrical'i cross: member integral said upper body portion: and located substantially: in the .-.pla.ne of: said. juncture, said-cross .mcmbenbeing formed-with a central-slip bearingthazough' which said stem: slid'ably- GlitBndSF,,abi8$?- spring: mountedv fore-reaction saidbridseciand: said .stem and r disposed to urge said valve; disk into: closed position, anda manual actuating; 7 element on. said. stemEfor displacing. thejs'amem opnositien saidbiasing spring to shift said valve disk; inte open: position. I

'9.. A. gravity teed doughnut maker. comprising, in, combination; an open ended. tubular receptacle having a. filling, opening at its upper end for receiving a hatch otdougmthe inner config mthan of said vreceptacle converging in cross sectional area from its extreme upper end smoothly and continuously to its extreme'lower end,-said,

lower end having a circular discharge opening the lmargmal edge of which defines a valve seat. a coaxial circular cut-01f valve disk mounted for movement axially into and out of coasting engagement with said seat and adapted when engaged therewith to close said opening "and when out of. engagement therewith todefine therewith an annular valve outlet through-which an-gannulus of dough will-exude by. .force'o'f gravity to form an incipient doughnut "blank, a stem 'secn-red'to said disk and extending axially therefrom upwardly througl'rv said receptacle, '3; diametricalubiddge member eiitendingacro'ss' the top of said receptacle andsformed witha: slip bearing through which said stem slidablvextends, said member being :secure'dat 'oriposite ends .to' said receptacle: by interlocking connections, "said receptacle being made oi material subject-to resilient distortion laterally or I said bridge-member to elongate the transverse form longitudinally" oi 's'aidmember for efiec'ting' said connections, and "spring means: seated against said bridge-member and. acting on" said stem a direction to move: said disk into closed posi- REFERENCE-8 orrsn- "The following" references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED: STATES PAEIIENZI-S A J; Perri-n 

